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Aston Villa in crisis

Asked about the prospect of administration he played down the prospect.

“I think that’s a frightener. I don’t think there’s a cat in hell’s chance of the Villa.

“We are conflicting stories where there’s a £5m deficit on an unpaid tax bill but I think that’s something that will be overcome.

“I think that’s people being a bit dramatic on that. I wouldn’t see that as a major problem, they will come through that.

“It depends now on the recruitment for next season.”

And the major priority for Atkinson comes in the middles of the park.

“Whether they can get some hungry players, whether they can get some energetic midfield players.

“I think they need more energy in midfield, more dynamic players in there.

“They have got some decent experienced players in there but I think they need really top energy players who can dominate and dictate games.”

Villa news

Aston Villa Supporters' Trust have released another statement expressing ‘worry and hurt’ at the club’s current situation and calling for an official update.

Just a matter of days since their first statement the fan group have watched as the full extent of Villa’s financial problems have been laid bare.

Missed tax payments - which look to have been resolved, talk of extensive player sales and the realisation of other assets, has put Villa in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

But AVST have once again stepped to the fore to represent supporters.

Their statement reads: “We released a statement what seems like weeks rather than days ago now requesting that the club make clear to our members, and all supporters, what Plan B entails.

“We said that our support can deal with adversity as long as we know the game that is afoot. This is now reaching critical levels though.

“When Keith Wyness spoke at our AGM just a few months ago he spoke of a plan being in place in the event that we were not promoted back to the Premier League.

“I am guessing that plan didn’t involve being belittled by our own ineptitude, him being put on the naughty step and us looking down the barrel of Administration.

“We don’t know how bad the situation is or who is to blame. What we do know is that conjecture and rumour are rampant on social media.

“We also know that our members are worried and are hurting at some of the things flying about this week.

“We can assure them that we are in contact with the club and have made a number of suggestions as to how we may be able to assist in steering the ship through these troubled waters. Our efforts will continue.

“But, with this in mind, we implore AVFC to immediately give our supporters a meaningful update on the current situation.

“We appreciate that there might be huge concerns that are being worked on around the clock at the moment but we need to know where we stand.

“We can assure our members that as soon as we know what is happening we will share it with you.

“Finally, and with the current predicament in mind, can I encourage our members to spread the word.

“Regardless of how bad Villa’s financial position may be, it is worth remembering there cannot be a sale of the ground as we had it listed as an Asset of Community Value.

“This is an example of the importance of the work we do and, if you want your voice to be heard as the coming weeks play out, it is vital that we have as many members on board at AVST as possible.”

Grealish update

Aston Villa will not be held to ransom over star midfielder Jack Grealish, according to reports.

The Press Association, via BT Sport , say that while the £30m rated star is their most saleable asset, that doesn’t mean they will allow him to leave on the cheap.

Grealish, who enjoyed a breakthrough season despite the ultimate disappointment of missing out on promotion, has been linked with Newcastle, West Ham, Manchester United and Leicester, though PA poured cold water on a move to the King Power.

They also say Grealish – who wants to stay for another year – could remain at Villa Park, and the club will look for other income sources.

John Terry has left the club, Alan Hutton is also out of contract and players James Chester could find themselves the subject of speculation.

Villa’s current financial woes stemmed from their failure to return to the Premier League and a missed payment to HMRC.

PA say Villa have now paid £500,000 and are expected to shell out a further £1.2million by the end of the week.

The outstanding amount is then likely to be sent swiftly, ensuring administration is not an immediate threat.

More Villa news

Aston Villa reportedly owe up to £11m in fees for transfer signings.

A report in TheTimes states that the club still have outstanding payments to make for players like Ross McCormack, James Chester and Scott Hogan.

As the extent of Villa's financial problems deepens, TheTimes states that that under the football creditors' rule, these clubs are entitled to be paid before HM Revenue and Customs, who Villa have to pay an outstanding tax bill.

Money is reportedly still owed to Fulham (£6m), West Brom (£2m) and Fulham (£3m) respectively.

It's the latest development after a week of rising fears over the club's stability.

Yesterday we reported that Villa will not be going into administration and are confident of solving their cash-flow crisis.

Owner Tony Xia has received positive news that a loan has been approved. He has managed to source £2m from China and borrowed a further £4m to help cover with the costs in the weeks ahead.

It’s understood that Xia is doing everything possible to keep hold of the club he purchased in 2016 having invested over £150m.

Several leading football finance experts have backed up claims from sources close to the club who are adamant Villa's current crisis will not see them file for administration.

Talk of Villa plunging to depths previously seen at the likes of Portsmouth and Leeds United has also been quashed.

Villa have serious short-term cash flow problems and are understood to be seeking minor investment.

The club are looking at ways to slash their sky-high wage bill and are even considering selling Brookvale - the staff car park close to Villa Park.

But it’s understood that solutions will soon be in place and then Villa can start preparing for the 2018/19 season, albeit on a significantly reduced budget.